What are the water requirements for decontamination showers?

Decontamination showers are essential, potentially lifesaving pieces of equipment for many industries. It is important, therefore, to make sure that your site meets the water requirements for such showers, in order for effective decontamination to take place.

Water flow rate requirements for decontamination showers

Both EN and ANSI standards stipulate that the water flow rate to a decontamination shower should be 76l per minute, and that this should be flowing uninterrupted for 15 minutes minimum. This is to ensure that thorough decontamination of the safety shower’s user can take place.

The correct water temperature for decontamination showers

The water supplied to an emergency safety shower must be at a ‘tepid’ temperature. This is to avoid further injury to the user (e.g., freezing or scalding), or making the temperature so uncomfortable that the user won’t stay in the emergency safety shower for the stipulated 15 minutes, thus hindering full decontamination from taking place. As for what a ‘tepid’ water temperature is defined as, the ranges stipulated by the ANSI and EN standards are broadly similar, the former being 16-38c and the latter 15-37c.

How can I ensure a consistent water flow to our safety showers?

Keeping the pipework clear of obstruction is essential to ensuring a consistent, steady flow of water to a decontamination shower unit. Safety showers should be activated weekly. This will help clear them of built-up sediment and debris, not to mention reducing the risk of legionella.

For more information on our decontamination shower range, contact our team today on 0402 32216 (Arklow) or 021 484 1370 (Cork). We have been official distributors for Hughes Safety showers in the Republic of Ireland for decades and are happy to advise on any queries you may have.